Plenty of NFL owners are facing crucial decisions about the direction of their franchises.

Here’s a message to NFL owners. Think bold, and do you homework. Look at what steps were taken by Colts owner Jim Irsay. When the Colts were floundering at this time last season, Irsay had a clear plan of how he wanted to rebuild, and a clear vision of the type of people he wanted.

The bold steps taken by Colts owner Jim Irsay, whose decision to blow up his team has led to renewed success, could prompt other franchises to do the same. (AP Photo)

Knowing a quarterback like Andrew Luck was available with the No. 1 pick made it easier for Irsay to part with an icon like Peyton Manning. However, Irsay made other risky moves, firing a long-time successful general manager in Bill Polian, and hiring a first-time general manager in Ryan Grigson. The Colts then hired a first-time head coach in Chuck Pagano.

Irsay knew what he wanted, and he thought outside the box. The payoff has been immediate, with the Colts (8-4) the NFL’s biggest surprise.

Call them owners on the hot seat. Firing people is only Step 1. Making the right hire is even more important.

Innovative coaches like Chip Kelly of Oregon, and current NFL assistants like Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Colts interim coach Bruce Arians should be on the short list of many owners. Particularly an owner like Spanos, who struck out with Norv Turner. Or Lurie, who has not hired a head coach since 1999. Spanos and Lurie are watching their teams flounder before a fan base that has grown frustrated.

Jets owner Woody Johnson has to be taking a hard look at general manager Mike Tannenbaum. The Jets don’t have the same talent they had two years ago, and Mark Sanchez is getting worse, not better.

When the Seahawks needed a quarterback last offseason, not only did they sign Matt Flynn in free agency, they drafted Russell Wilson in the third round. General manager John Schneider saw Wilson’s talent, and coach Pete Carroll had the guts to start Wilson. The Seahawks did their homework and thought outside the box. As a result, they're playoff contenders.

Contrast that to the Jets, who bypassed Wilson in the draft and brought in Tim Tebow, a player they have barely used. At least Rex Ryan is a proven defensive coach if Johnson decides to stick with Ryan. But if Tannenbaum stays, can Johnson really expect the Jets to get better?

Coaches and general managers come and go, but owners last for generations. Colts fans have watched their owner make the right steps to rebuild his franchise. Other owners will be trying to duplicate Irsay’s act this offseason.